Struggling?

Whether it is a habit, an addiction, or an unwanted desire that you just can’t shake — there is help for you. These resources can help you understand these complex issues and can aid in both prevention and recovery efforts.

*Disclaimer: NCSE does not endorse any one prevention or recovery method, but simply provides a list of programs and groups that were referred to us by multiple supporters.

Get Help

Negative Body Image and Pressure to Perform Pornographic Acts: As a result of viewing pornography, women reported lowered body image, criticism from their partners regarding their bodies, increased pressure to perform acts seen in pornographic films, and less actual sex. Men reported being more critical of their partner’s body and less interested in actual sex.[i]

Acceptance of Rape Myths: Women who were exposed to pornography as children were more likely to accept rape myths and to have sexual fantasies that involved rape.[ii]

Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse: The use of pornography by batterers significantly increased a battered woman’s odds of being sexually abused. Pornography use alone increased the odds by a factor of almost 2, and the combination of pornography and alcohol increased the odds of sexual abuse by a factor of 3.[iii] Other research has found that pornography use by batters is associated with learning about sex through pornography, imitation of behaviors seen in pornography, comparison of women to pornography performers, introduction of other sexual partners, filming sexual acts without consent, and the broader culture of pornography (e.g. fetishes).[iv]

Increased Marital Rape: Males who use pornography and go to strip clubs were found to engage in more sexual abuse, stalking, and marital rape than abusers who do not use pornography and go to strip clubs.[v]

Lower Sexual Satisfaction and Sexual Dysfunction: A 2015 study of online sexual activities among males found 20.3% reported that “one motive for their porn use was to maintain arousal with their partner.” It also found that pornography use was linked to higher sexual desire, but lower overall sexual satisfaction, and lower erectile function.[i] Other research has correlated pornography use with “negative effects on partnered sex, decreased enjoyment of sexual intimacy, less sexual and relationship satisfaction.”[ii]

Negative Body Image: A 2015 study found that men’s frequency of pornography use is positively linked to body image insecurity regarding muscularity and body fat, and to increased anxiety in romantic relationships.[iii]

Pornography Induced Erectile Dysfunction: Historically, ED has been viewed as an age-dependent problem, with rates in men ages 18–59 as low as 2–5%.[iv] In the early 2000s, the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behavior (GSSAB) reported that the ED rate among men aged 40–80 was approximately 13%.[v] In 2011, among males aged 18–40 the GSSAB found ED rates of 14-28%.[vi] This dramatic increase in ED rates among young men coincides with the sharp increase in the availability and accessibility of Internet pornography tube sites.[vii]

A 2-year longitudinal study of sexually active young males aged 16–21 published in 2016, found that over several checkpoints during the 2 years, they reported:

Another study reported that one in four patients seeking medical help for new onset ED were under 40, with severe ED rates being 10% higher than those in men over 40.[ix]

A study on men (mean age 36) seeking help for excessive sexual behavior—frequent use of pornography and masturbation—found that ED combined with low desire for partnered sex is a common observation in clinical practice.[x]

A study examining subgroups of men struggling with sexual compulsivity, found that among those who reported seven or more hours of pornography viewing (or seven episodes of masturbation) per week, 71% reported sexual dysfunctions, and 33% reported delayed ejaculation.[xi]

A Cambridge University study that was evenly divided between men with compulsive sexual behavior and those without, found that 84% of those with CSB experienced diminished libido or erectile function in physical relationships with women.[xii]

Correlated to Male Sexual Objectification of Women and Attitudes Supporting Violence Against Women: Among collegiate men, frequency of exposure to men’s lifestyle magazines, reality TV programs that objectify women, and pornography, predicted more objectified cognitions about women and stronger attitudes supportive of violence against women. [xiii]

Risky Behaviors and Other Harms: For males, increased pornography use is correlated with more sex partners, more alcohol use, more binge drinking, greater acceptance of sex outside of marriage for married individuals, greater acceptance of sex before marriage, and less child centeredness during marriage.[xiv]

Pornography as Sex Ed: A study of male high school seniors in Sweden found that nearly 70% of those who frequently used pornography reported that pornography made them want to try out what they had seen compared to 42% of boys in a reference group.[xv] Frequent users of pornography viewed all forms of pornography more often, especially advanced or more deviant forms of pornography including violence and sexual abuse of children and animals.[xvi]

Sexual Harassment and Coercion: A study of 804 Italian males and females aged 14 to 19, found that males who viewed pornography were significantly more likely to report having sexually harassed a peer or forcing someone to have sex.[xvii]

[ix] Paolo Capogrosso, et al., “One Patient Out of Four with Newly Diagnosed Erectile Dysfunction Is a Young Man—Worrisome Picture from the Everyday Clinical Practice,” The Journal of Sexual Medicine 10 (2013): 1833–1841.

Our goal is to train and promote those clinicians and church leaders who demonstrate a standard of excellence in training, education, and practice as sexual addiction specialists. Our vision is to train and equip a growing body of competent Christian counselors worldwide so they will have a transforming impact on the culture.

Clinicians who are certified by the IACSAS have received training, education, and supervision in understanding and treating sexual addiction. The IACSAS is committed to supporting training opportunities and to conducting research in the field of sexual addiction.

Through an innovative and proven three phase treatment program, this intensive outpatient group therapy approach gives participants the resources, support, and structure needed to experience a successful recovery from the damaging effects of pornography and sexually compulsive behaviors.There are treatment programs in nearly 40 Cities across the U.S. and Canada.

Individual Christian counselors working for New Life Ministries are located throughout America, and are available as a resource for those struggling with pornography and for the partners or spouses of those struggling with pornography.

New Life Ministries also runs intensive workshops including:

Every Man’s Battle – This three-day workshop is designed to help men who have engaged in pornography, sexual addiction or adultery and help them to get back their sexual integrity.

Intimacy in Marriage – If you want something better than the marriage you have and are ready to experience an astounding richness in your relationship, New Life has designed a life changing weekend to give you the tools to develop a healthy, healing intimacy.

Marriage Solution – A workshop that provides the tools to rejuvenate a good marriage; rescue a marriage in conflict; or restore a marriage broken from betrayal and infidelity.

Women in the Battle – This workshop is designed to help women who have been hurt in relationships with men who are or have been involved in pornography, sexual addiction or adultery.

A recovery program based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions) adapted, with permission, for recovery from sex addiction. There are local groups around the country, and call-in groups as well.

Our goal is to train and promote those clinicians and church leaders who demonstrate a standard of excellence in training, education, and practice as sexual addiction specialists. Our vision is to train and equip a growing body of competent Christian counselors worldwide so they will have a transforming impact on the culture.

Clinicians who are certified by the IACSAS have received training, education, and supervision in understanding and treating sexual addiction. The IACSAS is committed to supporting training opportunities and to conducting research in the field of sexual addiction.

Online recovery program built for teens and young adults to help overcome struggles with pornography. Due to the fact that everyone’s recovery is unique and varies from individual to individual, the Fortify Program helps you create your own personal Battle Strategies so that you can overcome your struggle in a way that is perfect for you.

NoFap® is a comprehensive sexual health platform, empowering people to express their sexualities free from compulsive behaviors. The NoFap® platform guides users through the porn addiction recovery process, known as “rebooting,” through education about the mechanisms of porn addiction and recovery, programs designed to allow users to meet their sexual health goals, and applications that allow users to stay motivated, connect with experts and peers, and document their progress. NoFap® has a large user-base, making it a great place to connect with others going through similar struggles who can offer mutual support and encouragement.

This program is divided into 3 levels of intensive group therapy lead by highly trained and licensed therapists. LifeStar strongly suggests that participants also participate in individual and/or couples therapy, along with a 12-step SAA program outside of the LifeStar program.

Confidential Healing Groups for Pastors, Men, and Women: Avenue empowers change through healing groups of like-minded men or women with the same needs, led by Avenue Alumni. Avenue is a confidential environment for women to overcome wounds from broken intimacy, trust, loss, and, to heal and thrive. Avenue also helps your church through its ongoing Leader Coaching, which keeps the burden off the pastoral staff. It equips leaders and the church with comprehensive Leader Tools, Church Visual Kit and sermon notes.

A residential recovery center for individuals and families. The curriculum is spiritually-based and includes individual and group therapy, a 12-step program, health and wellness training, after-care, creative arts, music therapy, and life balance education in the areas of emotional, physical and relational well-being.

This course recommends addicts read their list of 23 articles that “contain all of the information that you need to break free from pornography addictions,” attend group or one-on-one coaching sessions, and install filtering software.

The 12 steps of the program are based on gospel principles to help individuals overcome addiction through the Atonement. The steps contain explanations of principles, practical suggestions for applying those principles, and “understanding” questions relating to each step.

Innergold.com offers an online treatment program with over 15 videos, a book and a manual. Gordon S. Bruin L.C.M.H.C. is a pornography addiction counselor that has had great success in helping individuals find sobriety.

“Under Christ the King’s universal call to serve, we as men, pledge to unite and build up other men in the mold of leader, protector, and provider through education, formation and action.” General information and suggested steps for overcoming addictions.

“Using principles from scripture and how God designed you to operate, MindArmor®Training Tools teaches you how to break destructive thought patterns associated with lust and pornography through an online training course.” The course includes interactive videos, a workbook, scripture verses, and exercises.

“A Christ-centered support group ministry whose mission is to encourage, empower, and equip God’s people to live everyday in sexual integrity. L.I.F.E. provides consistently-revised workbook resources, educational multimedia presentations, and support group structure to the Christian community across the globe.”

Since 2009, our organization has been dedicated to serving Muslims struggling with unwanted sexual behaviors on their journey to change. We provide online training programs, support groups, and personal coaching. More than 1,000 members from over 35 countries have been through our programs and their testimonials and personal stories can be read on our blog at http://purifyyourgaze.com/blog

The 12 steps of the program are based on gospel principles to help individuals overcome addiction through the Atonement. The steps contain explanations of principles, practical suggestions for applying those principles, and “understanding” questions relating to each step.

Changing Lanes is a Christ-centered restoration ministry to help provide options for recovery in small groups and equipping family to battle porn in their homes. We offer small groups for men and teens with in-person or online options available. CL Parent Forums and church training available to help train and equip families and communities.

Confidential Healing Groups for Pastors, Men, and Women: Avenue empowers change through healing groups of like-minded men or women with the same needs, led by Avenue Alumni. Avenue is a confidential environment for women to overcome wounds from broken intimacy, trust, loss, and, to heal and thrive. Avenue also helps your church through its ongoing Leader Coaching, which keeps the burden off the pastoral staff. It equips leaders and the church with comprehensive Leader Tools, Church Visual Kit and sermon notes.

“Under Christ the King’s universal call to serve, we as men, pledge to unite and build up other men in the mold of leader, protector, and provider through education, formation and action.” General information and suggested steps for overcoming addictions.

“Using principles from scripture and how God designed you to operate, MindArmor®Training Tools teaches you how to break destructive thought patterns associated with lust and pornography through an online training course.” The course includes interactive videos, a workbook, scripture verses, and exercises.

“A Christ-centered support group ministry whose mission is to encourage, empower, and equip God’s people to live everyday in sexual integrity. L.I.F.E. provides consistently-revised workbook resources, educational multimedia presentations, and support group structure to the Christian community across the globe.”

Our goal is to train and promote those clinicians and church leaders who demonstrate a standard of excellence in training, education, and practice as sexual addiction specialists. Our vision is to train and equip a growing body of competent Christian counselors worldwide so they will have a transforming impact on the culture.

Clinicians who are certified by the IACSAS have received training, education, and supervision in understanding and treating sexual addiction. The IACSAS is committed to supporting training opportunities and to conducting research in the field of sexual addiction.

For the first time in history, a cinematic teaching series on sexual purity is here to help men get to the root of bondage, while offering proven principles and practical tools to conquer pornography and find freedom. The Conquer Series, unrivaled in its scope and authority, is not about behavior modification, but heart transformation. This life-changing, 5-week discipleship curriculum provides insights from top Christian leaders who lay out biblical strategies, scientific facts and teach men how to use God’s weapons to become conquerors. Each DVD is approximately 1-hour in length.

Individual Christian counselors working for New Life Ministries are located throughout America, and are available as a resource for those struggling with pornography and for the partners or spouses of those struggling with pornography.

New Life Ministries also runs intensive workshops including:

Every Man’s Battle – This three-day workshop is designed to help men who have engaged in pornography, sexual addiction or adultery and help them to get back their sexual integrity.

Intimacy in Marriage – If you want something better than the marriage you have and are ready to experience an astounding richness in your relationship, New Life has designed a life changing weekend to give you the tools to develop a healthy, healing intimacy.

Marriage Solution – A workshop that provides the tools to rejuvenate a good marriage; rescue a marriage in conflict; or restore a marriage broken from betrayal and infidelity.

Porn Harms Research
These archives, managed by National Center on Sexual Exploitation, offer the most comprehensive look at peer-reviewed research on pornography available today. Hundreds of articles are available and summarized for easy understanding and they are divided by more than 20 specific categories.

National Center on Sexual Exploitation’s Talking Points Webpage
Find summarized talking points backed by credible research and surveys, along with video presentations led by experts, on the topics of pornography and addiction, marriage, brain science, impact to children, links to sex trafficking and prostitution, increased violence and more.

PornHarms.com
Website directed by National Center on Sexual Exploitation to help educate on the harms of pornography and provide actions to actively oppose policies that promote pornography and sexual exploitation.

Fight the New Drug
This organization targets teens and young adults and provides clear education, tools, and resources to avoid and overcome pornography addiction.

Your Brain on Porn
“This site will help you understand exactly how today’s extreme Internet porn can alter the brain. In our view, porn use isn’t a moral issue. This site grew out of a decade of research analysis on the effects of sex on the brain, and six years of listening to recovering porn addicts.”

Pink Cross Foundation
“This web site contains large doses of truth about the sex industry for purposes of education… Men and women addicted to porn need to hear it straight from the women who were there.”

Covenant Eyes
This is an accountability and filtering software company, but has really great resources about the consequences of pornography and they regularly update their blog to help you understand latest information and dangers.

Internet Safety 101 from Enough Is Enough
Provides updates and help to adults for protecting children online. Site exists to educate you about the dangers; to empower you with the ability to recognize the warning signs and with helpful ways to discuss Internet safety with your kids; and to equip you with the safety resources you need.

Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation
The EndExploitationMovement.com website lists hundreds of groups who are involved in opposing sexual exploitation and you can search by category to find what groups cover the specific areas you hope to learn more about.

Reboot Nation
We are a community of people who have discovered the negative effects of pornography. If you or loved ones struggle with porn addiction and/or porn-induced sexual dysfunctions, this place is for you!

National Center on Sexual Exploitation
Founded in 1962, National Center on Sexual Exploitation is the leading national organization opposing pornography by highlighting the links to sex trafficking, violence against women, child abuse, addiction and more. NCSE works to expose the seamless connection between all forms of sexual exploitation.

Other Tools

Add a Resource

Do you know of a resource that should be added to these lists? Please submit them below and provide as much information as you can about the resource. Note that National Center on Sexual Exploitation will review the effectiveness and reputation of each resource before adding it to the website.

Resource Name*

Website for Resource*

What categories does this resource fit in?*

You can tick multiple options. Please be as descriptive as you can to help with the review process.

Survivors & Victims

Parents

Help for those struggling

Partners or spouses

Technology Tool

Free handout or presentation

Faith-based Resource

Education & Awareness

Other (explain below)

What is your affiliation with the Suggested Resource?*

Do you represent the organization? Have you used this resource? Please share what you can about this resource in order to help us vet and approve the tool more quickly.